Ambassador Waltz calls the Gang Suppression Force “Back to Basics” at the UN, with clear goals, accountability and real impact on the ground. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé thanks him and says the shared commitment must become tangible results for Haitians. Both statements are right in principle. But Haitians have heard this language before, and it will be measured by what happens on the ground, not by posts on X.

About 1,083 uniformed personnel had been deployed by early July, roughly a fifth of the 5,500 authorized. The Council also renewed the mandate for six months rather than the two years that had been requested. That is a warning as much as a vote of confidence. Meanwhile, families in Kenscoff, Port-au-Prince and beyond are still counting the dead and the displaced.

Haitians are not asking for slogans. They are asking for numbers, dates and names. To Ambassador Waltz, we ask:

  1. Troops: When will the force actually reach the 5,500 authorized, which countries are committed to supplying the rest, and what will Washington do if they don’t?
  2. Money: The troops depend on voluntary contributions. What is the United States pledging and paying for the trust fund this year, and how does that fit with Washington’s stance on UN dues, which cover the support office?
  3. Benchmarks: What are the specific, public metrics for success, such as territory retrieved, gang leaders arrested and displaced families returned, and who decides in March whether they were met?
  4. Accountability: How will civilians be protected from abuses by the force itself, and what independent body will investigate complaints and publish findings?
  5. Exit: What conditions must be met for the force to leave, and how does Washington plan to support Haitian police and elections so that departure doesn’t mean collapse?

To Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, one request: publish the Haitian side of the plan. Say how many police will be trained and equipped, how the December 13 election will be secured, and how citizens will be told when the promises are missed.

Six months is short. Haiti cannot afford to spend it on statements.